Researchers pitch in on Mars mission
While geology senior Patrick Whelley admits studying rocks might not be the most glamorous job, he said it could take a person places -- like Mars.

Whelley and fellow geology senior Shane Thompson are currently part of the geology group within the Athena Science Team for the Spirit and Opportunity Mars rovers that operates out of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. They are among approximately 50 researchers associated with ASU and involved with the mission to Mars -- more than any other university, Whelley said.

A film called "Chasing Freedom" details the story of a woman from Afghanistan (Layli Alizada) who runs a school for girls. She flees the militant Taliban's strict regulations of women's activities and comes to the United States, where she is detained. A pro bono attorney (Juliette Lewis) takes on the task of trying to free her.

ASU employee displays wire art
Wire cats leap across the room. Their grace is conveyed with a few spare and simple wires. Fish swim, glinting as they turn.

Jackie Seymour, an administrative assistant in the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, will have some of her 3-D wire art on display at Gallery Three, 3819 N. Third St. in Phoenix.

Police Beat: Prescription for disaster
An 18-year-old Tempe man was arrested on charges of possession of prescription drugs and disobeying park curfew near the 800 block of East Tempe Town Lake. He allegedly was observed at Linear Park after it closed. A search revealed a green tablet in a metal container on his keychain. It was confirmed to be a controlled substance by poison control.

Tillman was a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment out of Fort Benning, Ga., serving in southeastern Afghanistan as part of an Army special operations unit.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A cappella ensemble
Harmonized singing without instruments may conjure up images of Boyz II Men and barbershop quartets, but for the girls of Pitchforks, it's a great for-fun activity. Pitchforks is the only all-girls a cappella group at ASU, said music director Angie Proctor, a music education sophomore.

Denzel fiery in 'Man on Fire'
You can say whatever you'd like about Denzel Washington's newest action movie, Man On Fire, but we must give credit where it's due: this is, without a doubt, the strangest cinematic experience to hit the multiplexes in a long while. Director Tony Scott (Ridley's brother), who's brought us movies like Top Gun, Crimson Tide and Enemy of the State, hits the absolute high point of nuttiness with this 150-minute epic that manages to be a searing character study, vicious revenge film and sweet but not saccharine odd-couple drama all in one.

Making the man
One ASU student is trying to make a name for himself as an R&B singer even though he lives in area better known for its heat waves than its hot new talent. But broadcast journalism junior David Hernandez says he hopes he will beat the odds and mark his name in the success column.

Nature for novices
Arizona has more natural beauty than you can shake a stick at-from the Grand Canyon to Sedona, the outdoor opportunities available here are endless. But as college students, it's hard to find the time or energy to explore it all, especially if you're only a casual nature-lover with little expertise of the area.

Missed the boat?
Tigger and a giant alligator, a pirate's ship and a giant pencil wait patiently on the lawn at Tempe Town Lake. Crowds of people stare, take pictures and laugh as they walk by. Hundreds have come out to see the boats. But this isn't your typical boat race.

Stage presents: Solo standoff
On Aug. 25, 2003, Mario Albert Madrigal, Jr. was shot multiple times at his Mesa home after police said he came toward them in a threatening manner while bearing a knife. After a four-minute standoff, the 15-year-old boy lay dying from 10 gunshot wounds. Current events often influence the arts, and ASU theatre professor Jeff McMahon has allowed the non-fiction story to influence his latest work.

Reel life: The reel deal
John Spiak doesn't want to be the Robert Redford of Arizona film festivals; he wants to be the John Spiak of Arizona film festivals. He is a supporter of new artists who cares more about the quality of the works than about the quantity of the star power and buzz.

Atta Bui: Get your activism together
Sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. The '60s allegedly had it all, but it seems as if that decade isn't too different from the times we are living in now. Sex? Hello, Christina, Britney and Janet. Drugs? Walk down the hall of Manzy, take a wiff and you know that hasn't disappeared.

OPINIONS

Guest Column: I never wanted to protest
There are several things I would like to mention that Lucia Bill and Brian Clapp of The State Press failed to mention or distorted to fit their opinions. But before that, let me tell you why I protest. I don't protest for the homeless people because I know most of them are homeless because that is the way they choose to live.

Tempe perfect for boathouse
In the middle of a desert, surrounded by a plethora of rocks, never-ending dirt and more cacti than you can shake a divining rod at, the city of Tempe is a veritable land of wholesome fun and adventure-packed activities. Whether it's taking a stroll down the ever so family-oriented Mill Avenue or going out for a night of fine dining at one of the many local dives, there's something here for everyone.

Editorial: Boos and Bravos
BRAVO to Ashley Kelly, the ASU gymnast who won a national championship on the balance beam. First ASU alumnus Phil Mickelson wins the Masters, now a gymnastics national championship ... could an un-disappointing season for the ASU football team be on the horizon? BOO to Method Man for not showing up for a scheduled appearance near the Memorial Union.

Letters to the editor: ZAG correction
Thank you for you and your paper's published support regarding the Zombie Rights Crusade. It is always refreshing to know that a few more understand and support our undead friends in this tumultuous time of warfare, terrorism and Zombie oppression. However, I would like to point out an error within your editorial.

Postcards from London: A walk down Abbey Road
Since my family came for a visit last week, I got a chance to join the herds of tourists in exploring some of London's main attractions. We started the trip off with a visit to the Natural History Museum, which contains a plethora of objects from the natural world.

Cronkite students say 'Viva Las Vegas!'
The Radio and Television News Directors Association had its annual conference in Las Vegas on April 19-21, 2004. The conference was designed to bridge the gap between educators, news directors and students. Many students from ASU's Cronkite School of Journalism attended as well.

The Vaughn file: Remembering Tillman
My parents have a photograph of me sitting on their piano. It is 1987 and I am five years old with maroon and gold felt horns on my head. We are at the Rose Bowl and I am certain that I will always be a Sun Devil. Ten years later, same horns on my head, I watched Pat Tillman-number 42-tackle scores of Ohio State players.

Fashion sense: The blushing bride
Carmen Electra wore Badgley & Mischka, Sarah Michelle Gellar strutted in Vera Wang, and Jennifer Aniston bought a dress from American designer, Lawrence Steele. For those wondering what to wear on that special day, here are some fashion forward suggestions.

Dive into summer
This summer, sun bathe in style with a new bathing suit from one of this season's hottest designers. No matter what your body type, the masters of the runway have got you covered. If haute couture is your thing, here are a few suggestions to check out while you hunt for the perfect swimsuit.

SPORTS

Devil Dish: We hate agents, but not like Mike Danton
Not to be outdone by the Vancouver Canucks' Todd Bertuzzi, St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton decided he would not only cheap-shot someone, but have them killed. Danton was indicted on Thursday on federal charges of trying to have an "acquaintance" murdered.

Yet for Mike Williams, a two-year college football star at USC, there is still only one choice for him regarding his football career: an athletic scholarship at USC.

Tennis teams compete at Pac-10s
After the conclusion of a tough regular season, the ASU men's and women's tennis teams have a chance to redeem themselves on an individual basis at the Pac-10 Championships in Ojai, Calif., this weekend. The Pac-10 Championships, which began Thursday and will last through Sunday, is not a team tournament, but instead will determine the conference's singles and doubles champions.

Baseball to scrap with Cougars
If the ASU baseball team was Bill Murray in "What About Bob?" then according to head coach Pat Murphy, last week was a couple of baby steps. In taking two out of three games on the road last weekend at UCLA, the Sun Devils won their first Pac-10 series in four tries this season.

Softball hopes to rebound at Oregon
The ASU softball team has found a variety of ways to lose ballgames at the start of Pac-10 play. The Sun Devils have lost reasonably close games, they have been blown out, and they have lost games on the last at-bat. No matter how it ends up, though, the Sun Devils still have been unable to secure a victory in conference play, which is now seven games old.